Solano Land Trust joins supporters of tax incentive for conservation

Solano County's biggest conservation group is cheering a bipartisan push to continue a tax deduction for landowners who chose not to develop their property.

The current federal tax incentive for preserving farmlands and open spaces is set to expire at year's end, creating uncertainty for ranchers considering establishing a conservation easement.

"This tax incentive will help landowners permanently conserve farmland, wildlife habitat and open space in Solano County," said Nicole Byrd, executive director of the Solano Land Trust, which holds more than

"Conservation easements work," Thompson said. "By making this important conservation tool permanent, our bill will give landowners the certainty they need to preserve and protect even more land and natural resources for future generations."

The legislation would raise the maximum tax deduction for landowners who donate their property's development rights from 30 percent to 50 percent of adjusted gross income. It would also allow qualified ranchers to deduct up to 100 percent of their adjusted gross income and increase the number of years over which a donor can take the deduction from 5 to 15 years.

The bill, which has broad bipartisan support, has been endorsed by the Land Trust Alliance, Ducks Unlimited, National Wildlife Foundation, National Cattleman's Beef Association, American Forest Foundation, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and more than 50 other groups.

It will be referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, on which Thompson and Gerlach serve, for further consideration.